It’s a Wrap | Jewish News

Tidewater BBYO’s annual kickoff started with Havdalah, ended with games

Shai Zittrain — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:30:50 +0000

Tidewater BBYO held its annual fall kickoff event on Saturday, Sept. 19. Launching what will be an incredible year, the program started with a Havdalah on the beach where everyone took the time to begin the year as a community. Next, at Beachside Social, teens spent time together playing competitive games of shuffleboard, bocce, and other games. New members, prospects, and Tidewater’s Shinshinim attended, as well as seasoned members.

Kickoff was a fun way to bring the BBYO community back together after a long summer.

Whether an area Jewish teen is already involved or thinking about joining, events like this are great ways to make friends, meet new people, and actually be a part of the community. A year full of memories, social activities, and fun hangouts ahead are planned.

Shai Zittrain is Simcha BBG Mazkirah.

Hattie Friedman, Esther Barkan, and Dalia Portnoy play foosball at Beachside Social.

Lilah Friedman, Henry Krupnick, Isabelle Levitt, Kenna Werby, Alexa Steerman, and Jonah Kass.

Teens at BBYO Tidewater Kickoff.

Tidewater BBYO creates foundation for the programming at LTI

Skylar Caplan — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:27:41 +0000

Virginia Council came together for an amazing LTI (Leadership Training Institute), bringing together teens from Tidewater and Richmond to prepare for the year ahead. The event was held in Richmond on August 30. Chapter leadership boards from Tidewater’s Simcha BBG and Old Dominion AZA attended.

Throughout the day, teens participated in positional training planned by the regional board, strengthened leadership skills with council presidents, connected with other regional leaders, and worked together as a council and as individual chapters to set goals and create plans for the upcoming year.

Overall, the day was extremely productive and successful. The Tidewater community brought so much value home from the experience and is already putting new ideas and skills into action.

Skylar Caplan is Eastern Region’s 4th Mazkirah and a member of Simcha BBG.

Be A Reader mentors gather at annual kickoff luncheon

Robin Ford — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:21:28 +0000

Books are packed, supplies are ready, and excitement is in the air because BeAR is heading back to school.

The annual Be A Reader Literacy Project’s kickoff luncheon was a wonderful success, bringing together familiar faces, brand new mentors, lots of laughter and, of course, plenty of books. Held on Thursday, October 8 at the Simon Family JCC, the event aims to get everything ready for another year of reading, mentoring, and making a difference in the lives of BeARs’ second graders.

The week following the luncheon, BeAR mentors headed into schools across Norfolk and Virginia Beach to meet their students and begin another fantastic year together. Some mentors are returning to schools they have loved for years, while others are new BeARs about to discover how this program is so special.

There is nothing quite like that first meeting with a BeAR student – sitting down together, opening a book, and starting to get to know one another. Before long, that one hour a week becomes something both the student and the mentor look forward to.

Of course, mentors are there to read and help students become stronger, more confident readers. But BeAR has always been about so much more. It is about showing up. It is about encouraging a child, celebrating the little victories, and giving them an hour each week when they know someone is there just for them.

A few more BeAR mentors are still needed. In fact, a critical need exists for mentors at College Park Elementary in Virginia Beach and Suburban Park and Willard Elementary in Norfolk. So, for anyone who has ever considered joining BeAR, this is the perfect time. No teaching experience is necessary, just a love of children, a little patience, and one hour a week.

It is going to be a great year. The books are ready. The BeARs are ready. And it’s time to go roaring into school!

To become a BeAR mentor, contact Robin Ford, BeAR coordinator, at 757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org.

Community gathers to remember, reflect, and reaffirm its connection to Israel three years after October 7

Nofar Trem — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:18:58 +0000

Three years after the atrocities of October 7, 2023, members of the Tidewater Jewish community gathered not simply to recall a date, but to honor lives, bear witness to loss, and reaffirm their enduring connection to Israel and the Jewish people.

Surrounding the gathering were 1,200 Israeli flags displayed through the Flags of Fellowship initiative of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and thoughtfully planted by Tidewater community members leading up to the event. Each flag honored a life lost that day, transforming an overwhelming tragedy into a visible tribute to the individuals, families, and communities forever changed by its impact. Together, the flags transformed a staggering number into something deeply personal, honoring each life lost and reminding attendees of the families and communities forever changed.

Throughout the evening, the voices of Tidewater’s Shinshinim helped bridge the distance between Tidewater and Israel. Their personal reflections highlighted that the events of that day are not confined to history books but continue to shape the lives of Israelis and Jews around the world. Through their experiences, attendees connected with the pain of loss, as well as the resilience, courage, and unity that emerged in its aftermath.

The gathering underscored a truth many have experienced over the past three years: while the attacks brought unimaginable heartbreak, they also inspired people to support one another, care for those in need, and ensure that the victims and their families would never be forgotten.

Prayers for Israel and her people were offered by local clergy, while the prayer for those serving in defense of the Jewish state carried special significance as it was recited by Adam and Chava Goldberg, whose son, Ari Goldberg, fell while serving in the Israel Defense Forces and whose other son continues to serve today. Their participation served as a reminder that the impact of October 7 continues to be felt by families both in Israel and within our own community. In sharing that moment together, those gathered were reminded of the power of community to provide comfort, connection, and support in the face of profound loss.

As the program concluded, the flags remained standing as a symbol of honor and resilience. Three years later, members of the Tidewater Jewish community continue to mourn those who were lost, honor their memory, and stand with Israel and the Jewish people.

The evening also served as a reminder that remembrance does not end when a program concludes. Through education, dialogue, and shared experiences, community members can continue to deepen their understanding of Israel, honor the stories of those affected by October 7, and strengthen the bonds that unite the Jewish people.

To learn more about the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Shinshinim and opportunities to connect with Israel, visit JewishVA.org or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

Adam and Chava Goldberg.

Robin Copeland, Rabbi Israel Zoberman, and Lauren Sucher.

1,200 Israeli flags were planted by community members.

Liam and Avalon Turner, and Jackson Teasley.

Liel Aisikowitz and Evyatar Olswang, Tidewater’s Shinshinim.

Art talks with the Center for Active Living

Haley Bartel — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:11:05 +0000

Members of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Center for Active Living, a group for older adults offering fitness, lifelong learning, and cultural programming, spent the morning of Tuesday, October 13 at the Chrysler Museum of Art. Attendees enjoyed a conversation on faith and community through the lens of Baroque art, paired with a guided tour of the museum’s Ilse Bing exhibit.

The morning began with Civic Salon: Faith, part of a museum series that uses works from its collection to prompt discussion about civic life. In a conversation moderated by Drew Lusher, Rabbi Michael Panitz and Father Noah Van Niel connected four biblical paintings to four themes that show up in secular community life.

The panel first addressed the topic of narratives – personal stories told and history – by looking at Jacopo Palma’s The Finding of Moses. Next was Bonifazio de’ Pitati’s Lot and His Daughters, which prompts the question of norms with its taboo subject matter. Then, the panel discussed habits through the lens of The Virgin and Child with Angels Appearing to Saints Anthony Abott and Paul, the Hermit by Paolo Veronese. The talk wrapped up with an exploration of rituals in the context of Giovan Filippo Criscuolo’s Adoration of the Magi, comparing rituals of the day to those practiced now.

Participants then toured Ilse Bing: Between Paris and New York led by Harry Graber, former UJFT executive vice president, who is a docent at the Chrysler Museum. The exhibit, which closed on Sunday, October 18, followed the German-born Jewish photographer, who began taking pictures as an art history student in Frankfurt and went on to work in Paris and New York with a handheld Leica. Graber guided the group through the exhibit, providing insight into her location throughout history and artists she worked with throughout her lifetime.

For more information about future events with the Center for Active Living, visit jewishva.org/Adults or contact Sarah Cooper at SCooper@UJFT.org.

Father Noah Van Niel, Rabbi Michael Panitz and Drew Lusher during the panel discussion.

Docent Harry Graber explains the context of one of Ilse Bing’s photographs.

Beth Chaverim’s Beach Sisterhood – a house of (women) friends – reading books together

Sheryl-Lynn Caroff — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:55:19 +0000

Book clubs are everywhere these days. Beth Chaverim’s Beach Sisterhood Book Club is comprised of a cordial group of Jewish women who meet monthly to discuss a selected book.

The Sisterhood Book Club meetings take place at a local home with everyone contributing to a potluck meal. Newcomers immediately feel welcome and included in the informal, relaxed atmosphere.

The Book Club’s most recent gathering, which took place on September 29, met in a backyard sukkah. Enjoying the beautiful weather, the women (plus an added toddler and gentleman) discussed the latest book read, Scythe, by Neal Schusterman, tackling some of the heavier themes within. Some of the books have Jewish themes or Jewish authors (such as this one) but there’s a wide variety throughout the year.

Not only is this a book club that welcomes participants, but it is also a special Jewish community.

Beach Sisterhood is a part of Congregation Beth Chaverim, a Reform congregation in Virginia Beach operating since 1982. The Sisterhood provides an inclusive group for Jewish women to participate in social and community building activities in order to bond and develop friendships.

Interested in joining the fun? Visit https://www.bethchaverim.com/sisterhood or contact sisterhoodvb@gmail.com. Beach Sisterhood is open to any women in the Jewish community. More friends are always welcome.

Tidewater Ruby Lions celebrate philanthropy, legacy, and sisterhood

Linda Ausch — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:38:55 +0000

On a beautiful September afternoon, just days before Rosh Hashanah, Tidewater’s Ruby Lions gathered at Jodi Klebanoff’s home for a luncheon celebrating friendship, philanthropy, and the impact of women’s leadership.

Alicia London Friedman, Women’s Philanthropy chair, welcomed the guests and thanked Jodi Klebanoff for hosting. She then shared the exciting news that Tidewater already has eight new Ruby Lions so far this year—and the campaign year is just beginning. This growing number of Rubies reflects not just the generosity and commitment of these women, but also their dedication to strengthening Jewish life locally, nationally, and around the world.

Friedman reminded the women that being a Ruby Lion ($10,000+ Federation giver) is much more than a giving level. It represents leadership and a belief in the future of Tidewater’s Jewish community. She reflected on the legacy “we leave for our daughters, grandchildren, and generations we may never know—the values we model and the traditions we pass down.”

“The women who came before us helped build the community we have today,” she shared. “We are now the link between those generations and the ones who will come after us.”

Ellen Rostov Hundley, Women’s Philanthropy vice chair, introduced the luncheon’s guest speaker, Sheila Katz, who recently joined the senior professional leadership at Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) after years of service elsewhere in the Jewish world (most recently at National Council of Jewish Women and before that at Hillel International). In describing her vision for her new role, – Chief Jewish Life Officer – Katz described the immense opportunities being created for Jewish communities across the country. She spoke with particular enthusiasm about a transformative new source of funding for Jewish education, Jewish institutions, and Jewish families, which is set to become available next year.

Jewish educational organizations are joining forces to help communities take full advantage of this opportunity, and if participation reaches the scale that organizers envision, thousands of tax-credit contributions could translate into substantial new funding for Jewish education nationwide, making it more accessible for families across the country.

Katz spoke about the importance of Jewish communities coming together, sharing resources, and thinking creatively – especially in the area of next generation engagement. Her message resonated with the Ruby Lions, whose philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to addressing many of these same issues in Jewish Tidewater.

As the luncheon drew to a close, Klebanoff thanked all for coming and recognized those who work behind the scenes to make these programs and initiatives possible, including the members of the Federation’s professional

team. In looking around the room at the various generations and multi-generations (moms and daughters) present, Klebanoff spoke about creating a lasting legacy. She turned toward her mother, Ann Copeland, and in that quiet moment, the meaning of her words became especially personal. Mother and daughter shared an emotional glance – both visibly moved. It was a beautiful, living example of L’Dor V’Dor and the passing of Jewish values, traditions, generosity, and commitment from one generation to the next.

In Tidewater’s remarkable Jewish community, a special bond of sisterhood – women who celebrate one another, support one another, and stand together in support of the community they love – clearly exists. Each woman brings her own story and legacy to this sisterhood, and together they are creating something even greater.

Leslie Siegel and Shaye Arluk.

Ellen Rostov Hundley, vice chair.

Annie Sandler pins Lion of Judah pin on her daughter, Dylan Sandler.

Sheila Katz (guest speaker), Betty Ann Levin (UJFT executive vice president/CEO), and Kristy Foleck.

Bonnie Brand and Ann Copeland.

Alicia London Friedman (Chair), Lynn Schoenbaum, Beth Jaffe, Laura Gross, and Jodi Klebanoff.

Women enjoy lunch on Jodi Klebanoff’s terrace.

Renee Strelitz, Shari Friedman, Judy Rosenblatt, and Shelly Simon.

Mona Flax, Alicia London Friedman, Kristy Foleck, Ellen Rostov Hundley, and Janet Mercadante.

Jodi Klebanoff and guest speaker Sheila Katz.

Ann Copeland, Marcia Moss, and Joan London.

One heart, many voices join for annual concert at Temple Emanuel

Pati Menda Oliszewski — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:09:08 +0000

A full house gathered at Temple Emanuel in Virginia Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 15, for the annual Cantors and Chazanim Concert, an evening that brought together cantors, rabbis, and musicians from congregations across the Tidewater Jewish community.

Now in its fourth year, the concert has become a meaningful local tradition, celebrating both the diversity of Jewish music and the strength of a community united through song. The program moved from beloved selections from the Israeli songbook to familiar liturgical melodies, concluding with a lively Yiddish medley that filled the sanctuary with warmth, energy, and joy.

A particularly tender moment came when eight-year-old Lia joined guest Chazan Alberto Mirchuk for a duet. Mirchuk, who traveled from Buenos Aires to participate in the concert for the fourth consecutive year, welcomed his young singing partner with generosity and warmth. Their performance offered a simple reminder of how Jewish music is lovingly passed from one generation to the next.

Presented by Temple Emanuel, the concert highlighted remarkable voices, some already familiar and others newly discovered by the audience. More than a musical performance alone, the evening reflected what is possible when Tidewater’s congregations come together—one community, many voices, and, fittingly, one heart.

SIA Golf Tournament scores a winning day

Carin Simon — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:29:24 +0000

For 38 years, golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and friends of Strelitz International Academy have come together for a day that is about much more than golf. This year, that tradition reached a new milestone.

The 38th Annual Bob Josephberg Classic & Strelitz International Academy Golf Tournament, held September 2 at Virginia Beach National Golf Club, raised a record $150,000 in support of SIA’s students, faculty, and programs.

As the school’s largest annual fundraiser, the tournament provides critical support that helps SIA continue to offer an exceptional education grounded in Jewish values while investing in the people and programs that make the school community thrive.

“Reaching $150,000 is an incredible accomplishment, but what makes this tournament so meaningful is the community behind it,” says Heather Moore, Head of School. “Year after year, our sponsors, golfers, and volunteers show us how deeply they believe in our school and in the importance of investing in Jewish education. Their generosity directly impacts the experience we are able to provide our students and faculty every day.”

The tournament has become a beloved SIA tradition, bringing together longtime supporters, local businesses, parents, alumni families, and friends of the school. While participants may arrive ready for a great day on the golf course, the event is ultimately about a shared commitment to ensuring a strong future for SIA and Jewish education in Tidewater.

This year’s tournament success was made possible through the leadership of Tim Thornton and Ross Bangel, tournament co-chairs, along with committee members Bill Carden, Chip Friedman, Sharon Grossman, Angela Jenkins, David Leon, Nina Kruger, Kasey Molloy, and Ian Persaud. Months of planning, sponsor outreach, and behind-the-scenes work culminated in a successful day both on and off the course.

The greatest measure of the tournament’s success, however, was not found on the leaderboard. It was found in a community coming together to support the next generation. For nearly four decades, the Bob Josephberg Classic has demonstrated the power of collective giving. Every sponsorship, registration, raffle donation, and volunteer hour contributes to SIA’s ability to provide students with an outstanding academic experience within a dynamic Jewish environment, one that nurtures their identities, encourages curiosity, and prepares them to become compassionate, engaged members of the Jewish community and the world.

Strelitz International Academy is deeply grateful to every sponsor, golfer, donor, and volunteer who made this year’s tournament possible and looks forward to continuing the tradition at the 39th Annual Bob Josephberg Classic.

Carin Simon is director of advancement at Strelitz International Academy.

Winning team: Ben Leon, Miles Leon, Matt Fine, and Wes Bourdon.

Volunteers Julie Keivit, Amy Gladstein, and Leigh Casson.

Ross Bangel and Tim Thornton, Tournament co-chairs.

Joan London, SIA board member, hands out lunches.

2nd Place team: David Cardon, Doug Hatfield, Bob Zuckerman, and Steve Zuckerman.

Lev Sara Bikkur Cholim Committee initiative

Avigayil Perry — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:21:34 +0000

More than 50 women gathered on the top floor of the Assembly building in downtown Norfolk for the Lev Sara Bikkur Cholim Inaugural Dinner in March. Lev Sara Bikkur Cholim is a committee founded by Shari Berman, Shana Danziger, Liba Eisenberg, Dee Slone, and Michal Stein. Attendees enjoyed a dairy dinner catered by Cater613 while listening to speakers share how the project began and highlight the importance of the mitzvah of bikkur cholim.

Shari Berman opened the program by explaining the “why” behind the project. Lev Sara is named in memory of her mother-in-law, Shirley Berman, whose Hebrew name was Sara. Berman described how her mother-in-law dedicated her life to chesed, to bikkur cholim. In addition to her work as a social worker, she volunteered with an organization that supports people with cancer. Berman said she “felt this project would be a meaningful way to honor Shirley’s memory.”

In introducing Elise Wolf, the keynote speaker, Michal Stein noted that Wolf’s connection to Norfolk spans many years. Born in Norfolk to Benn and Jackie Richels, she noted that the community continues to benefit from the hard work the Richels invested in Norfolk’s Jewish community. As the principal of Bais Yaakov of Baltimore, Wolf has played a significant role in educating thousands of young Jewish women, including Stein, who highlighted the love, care, and devotion Wolf shows her students during their time at the school and long after graduation.

Wolf began by saying that when she researched the topic of bikkur cholim, “it never occurred to me how nuanced and how varied this mitzvah is.” She broke the mitzvah down into three parts: what it is, where it appears in the Torah, and the benefits of performing it. The word bikkur, she explained, means to check on someone and ensure that their needs are met.

Wolf shared a couple of stories stressing the benefits of bikkur cholim.

First, she told a story from the Gemara about the great first-century sage, Rabbi Akiva. When one of his students was absent for a couple of days and his classmates had not seen him, Rabbi Akiva suspected he was ill, as he was typically diligent and dedicated. When Rabbi Akiva visited him, he found drawn window shades and the room dusty. He immediately opened the windows to let in fresh air, changed the bed linens, and spent a few minutes speaking with his student. The student said to his rebbe, “You have given me life.” Wolf emphasized this Gemara’s lesson: when we neglect the sick, we cause great harm, but when we care for them, we give life.

Another story was about Rabbi Aryeh Levin, a revered figure in Jerusalem who passed away in the 1960s. Rabbi Levin regularly visited hospital patients. One day, the mother of a sick child approached him in tears, explaining that she could not provide for her son and that no one was caring for him. Rabbi Levin promised to add the boy to his list of weekly visits. After several weeks, the child remarked, “They’re finally paying attention to me, checking if I need anything.” When Rabbi Levin thanked the hospital staff, they replied, “If he is important to you, he must be important to us.” Wolf emphasized that the takeaway from this story is that when hospital staff see others showing care and attention to a patient, they are more likely to do the same. She said she has witnessed this dynamic herself during the many hours she has spent in hospitals with families.

Liba Eisenberg introduced the final part of the program. “Now we have ‘the what,’ the importance of this mitzvah. (But) what makes the biggest difference is not in what but in how we do the mitzvah.” Participants at each table spent about 10 minutes discussing pre-distributed questions, including: What is helpful—and what is not? What does it mean to show up without extracting information? How do we want people to feel after interacting with us? Several themes emerged: It is often more helpful to offer something specific—“I make soup; can I bring you some at 1?”—rather than asking a broad question like, “What can I do to help?” which may put the burden on the person who is ill. Participants also noted the importance of respecting privacy and not pressing for details about someone’s condition. Instead, the focus should be on offering time and conversation. Genuine care should feel natural and unforced. Visits should not be rushed; rather than arriving with an eye on the clock, one should be present and make the interaction about the other person. Ultimately, listening was highlighted as one of the most meaningful ways to support someone going through a difficult time.

Before leaving, attendees completed cards indicating how they could get involved in the project, such as cooking and delivering meals, and visiting hospitals or senior living facilities. Although the committee was initiated by members of B’nai Israel, its mission extends to serving anyone in need within the greater Tidewater Jewish community.

To participate as a volunteer or recipient of services, email levsarabikkurcholim@gmail.com, call 757-559-1409, or go to https://www.bnaiisrael.org/lev-sara-bikur-cholim.html.